Experience of a specialist centre in the management of anastomotic sinus following leaks after low rectal or ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with diverting stoma

AIM

The natural history and appropriate management of anastomotic sinus has not been clearly defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, management and outcomes of anastomotic sinus.

METHOD

The medical records of all patients who underwent a low anterior resection (LAR) or an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) with a diverting loop ileostomy (LI) and with contrast enema performed before planned stoma closure between 2001 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The radiological features of the sinus tract, treatment and outcome of anastomotic sinus were studied.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (8.2%) were found to have anastomotic sinuses out of the total of 244 patients who had undergone LAR (n = 146) or IPAA (n = 98) with LI. Of these, 13 (65%) had prior symptomatic leaks, while seven did not. Twelve patients (60%) were found to have simple sinus tracts, while eight had complex sinuses (associated with either pelvic cavities or severe strictures). Five patients with simple tracts were treated with observation alone. Fifteen patients underwent surgical interventions. Overall, with a median follow-up of 28 (6-73) months, 16 patients (80%) had resolution of their sinuses. All of 12 patients (100%) with simple sinus tracts and four of eight patients (50%) with complex sinuses underwent successful stoma reversals after 8 (3.5-24) months following the initial surgery (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Patients with simple tracts are significantly more likely to have complete resolution of sinuses than patients with complex sinuses. Persistent sinus associated with either a pelvic cavity or severe stricture despite surgical intervention is likely to lead to a permanent stoma.

Minimally invasive surgery is safe and effective for urgent and emergent colectomy

OBJECTIVE

There are a limited number of studies describing the role of minimally invasive colectomy for urgent or emergent conditions of the large bowel. We hypothesize that laparoscopic colectomy in urgent and emergent setting can be performed safely in select settings.

METHOD

A cohort of patients treated at a single institution from 2001 to 2006 was identified from a prospective database. Patients who underwent open or minimally invasive surgery (MIS), including laparoscopic (LAP) or hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) colectomy for urgent and emergent conditions were included.

RESULTS

A total of 68 [open 32, MIS 36 [HALS 22, LAP 14)] patients underwent urgent or emergent colectomy on our colorectal service during the 5-year time period. Patients with toxic colitis were more often selected for MIS. Patients with colon perforation or large bowel obstruction were more often selected for open surgery. The MIS group had a lower body mass index (BMI), lower American Society of Anesthesiologists fitness grade and was more likely to have been immunosuppressed. There was no difference in patient morbidity between the open and MIS groups. The MIS group had a longer median operative time and fewer cases of prolonged hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that minimally invasive colectomy by experienced surgeons appears to be safe and effective for appropriately selected patients with emergent and urgent conditions of the large bowel.